Mand Utsav, Nerur

Kokan !

A stunning region on the western coast of India, Kokan is known for its breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering traditional cuisine; especially seafood. Rich history, and vibrant culture filled with unique festivals. In this beautiful landscape, Nerur is a small village in the Kudal taluka of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Proudly a part of the Kokan region, Nerur carries the essence of coastal charm and tradition.

Nerur has always been a frontrunner when it comes to art, and cultural events. One of the most unique and well-known celebrations here is Holi, locally known as Shimgotsav. Unlike other parts of Kokan, Nerur’s Holi festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and bring the entire village together.

During Shimgotsav in entire kokan, the God’s palanquin (called Palakhi in Marathi) visits every household in the village. It’s a beautiful ritual where people gather, dance, sing, and celebrate all night long; not just for a day, but for an entire week, before finally returning the Palakhi to the temple. It’s a celebration that truly captures the spirit of kokan.

Just like in other this, every village in sindhudurg district has its own unique way of celebrating festivals. One common tradition across many of them is the Radha Nritya (Radha dance), but in Nerur, it’s done with a special twist.

Here, villagers set up a mand for the deity, where they gather to worship and perform Radha Nritya as a way to showcase their talent and devotion. What makes it truly stand out is the creative storytelling element. While performing the dance, they also enact short stories from the Hindu Puranas, using moving statues and voiceovers to bring the tales to life.

Well-known local groups like Ana Mestry and Group, Baba Mestry and Group, and Vilas Mestry and Group lead these performances. Each group puts on a mesmerizing Radha dance followed by a narrative sequence inspired by hindu puranas. Alongside the divine characters, you’ll often see animal figures and even a few humorous or entertaining characters who jump in to make the audience laugh and keep the vibe lively and fun.

Every year, the villagers showcase their incredible talent in front of the God’s Mand (the place where they worship, by offering coconut and jaggery). This ritual marks a special moment during Holi. When two gods; Gavadoba and Kaleshwar meets. During Lord Gavadoba’s return journey, he takes a brief halt at a spot called Sai cha Temb, where the Mand is set up. And villagers gather to worship and perform the Radha Nbritya, beautifully telling stories from the Puranas.

During the Radha Nritya, the dancers embody characters like Radha, Krishna, and Krishna’s friends, and they even use lazim to add rhythm to their dance. Cartoon characters wear mascots to bring their characters to life. What really draws people to the Mand Utsav is the captivating way the stories are brought to life. Artists go all out, creating huge sculptures from paper, cotton, wood, and other materials, which are then operated either manually or automatically to enhance the performance.

Nerur has produced a remarkable number of talented artists, from singers and dancers to backstage crew. Many of whom work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Despite their success, they never forget their roots. Every year, these artists return to their village, proudly showcasing their craft and celebrating Shimgotsav with their community.

People from across Sindhudurg district, and even nearby states like Goa and Karnataka, travel to Nerur to witness this incredible festival. It’s truly an unforgettable experience to be part of such a vibrant celebration in the heart of the Kokan region of Maharashtra.